Indonesian Diaspora in U.S. Marks Eid with Simplicity and Solidarity

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Around 1,600 Indonesians and members of the diaspora in the United States celebrated Eid al-Fitr, Syawal 1, 1447 H, with modest gatherings, underscoring unity, empathy, and togetherness despite being far from home.

“This simple celebration is a conscious choice, reflecting empathy for global circumstances that also affect conditions in Indonesia,” Indonesian Ambassador to the U.S. Indroyono Soesilo said in a statement from the Embassy in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, March 22, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Ambassador Indroyono, along with embassy staff, joined the Eid prayers with worshippers from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia at the Indonesian Muslim Association in America (IMAAM) Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, on Friday, March 20, 2026.

Following the prayers, the embassy and IMAAM hosted a gathering featuring traditional Indonesian Eid dishes such as ketupat (a diamond-shaped rice cake wrapped in coconut leaves), opor ayam (chicken cooked in seasoned coconut milk), rendang (richly spiced beef dish), udang balado (hot and spicy shrimp dish), sambal (Indonesian hot sauce), and crackers, bringing familiar flavors of home to those celebrating abroad.

“As tradition shows, even a spoonful of opor or a bite of rendang proves that Indonesians have their own way of staying connected, supporting one another, and celebrating,” Ambassador Indroyono explained.

The celebration also symbolized solidarity with communities in Indonesia still grappling with the impact of natural disasters. Yet, the simplicity did not diminish the spirit of Eid, which emphasizes sincerity, compassion, and the bonds of friendship.

“Here lies the true meaning of silaturahim (strengthening bonds of kinship). Thousands of miles away, the Indonesian diaspora continues to celebrate Eid together, just as they would back home,” he concluded.

The Embassy expressed gratitude to the IMAAM Center, volunteers, catering partners, and the Indonesian community for ensuring that the tradition of Eid remains alive and meaningful, even far from the homeland. ***